Tony Bellew and Oleksandr Usyk final Press Conference ahead of their undisputed Cruiserweight clash at Manchester Arena on Saturday November 10th. 8th November 2018. Picture By Mark Robinson.
Usyk’s Unique Abilities Pose a Formidable Challenge for Fury
As fight fans eagerly await the highly anticipated heavyweight title clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk this weekend in Saudi Arabia, renowned boxing coach Dave Coldwell offers a unique perspective on the matchup, having been in Usyk’s corner during the Ukrainian’s victory over Tony Bellew in 2018.
Coldwell, who closely studied Usyk’s strengths and weaknesses in preparation for that fight, acknowledges the champion’s exceptional abilities. “Out of all the fighters I’ve watched, Usyk is probably the most I’ve watched anyone because when you’re looking at someone who looks like they’ve got no weaknesses, you have to fucking find one,” Coldwell explained.
The key, according to Coldwell, will be for Fury to avoid trying to outmaneuver Usyk at his own game. “Everybody goes to Usyk,” Coldwell noted. “That’s why I think Fury will be best served not by backing off but boxing at his own range rather than trying to walk him down and bully him, because Usyk going forward is not as good as when he’s hitting, moving and creating angles.”
Coldwell believes Usyk may try to fatigue the bigger Fury by targeting his arms and chest early on, forcing the Gypsy King to expend significant mental and physical effort. However, the coach cautions that Fury’s susceptibility to the right hand, demonstrated in previous fights, may not be as much of a factor against the southpaw Usyk.
Regarding Usyk’s potential vulnerability to body shots, Coldwell acknowledges the champion’s past struggles in that area but emphasizes that his exceptional footwork and ring IQ make it challenging to effectively target his midsection. “It’s not just a case of marching in there and nailing him to the body. Fury’s got to be cute with it. He’s got to set up the body shots.”
As for the weight of the combatants, Coldwell is particularly interested in seeing Usyk’s weight on fight night, as the former cruiserweight champion has maintained a consistent weight in his recent heavyweight bouts. The coach believes Usyk may be a bit too “square” and “bulky” at heavyweight, potentially impacting his renowned mobility and sharper movements.
With both fighters possessing unique strengths and potential weaknesses, Coldwell expects a captivating clash that could be decided by Fury’s jabs, feints, and ability to effectively set up his attacks, rather than simply trying to outmaneuver Usyk. “It’s a really intriguing fight. I can see ways both men can win,” Coldwell concluded.
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